Potential for Nitrate Removal from Groundwater Supplies Using Biological Deintrification

by Mohamed F. Dahab, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dep of, Civil Engineering, Lincoln, NE, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Environmental Engineering

Abstract:

Nitrate concentrations in groundwater supplies have been increasing over the years throughout many areas in the U. S. to the point of posing potential health dangers to a multitude of water users. Conventional methods of nitrate reduction such as chemical conversion or ion exchange have proven to be either ineffective or cost-prohibitive. The potential of biological denitrification is explored. A series of laboratory-scale reactors were operated using synthetically prepared high nitrate influent with acetic acid being the electron donor and nitrate concentrations as high as 200 mg/L. The results indicate that biodenitrification can be used effectively for reducing nitrates to acceptable levels. However, some residual suspended and dissolved organic solids should be expected. Such solids should be removed in subsequent conventional water purification processes. (Edited author abstract. )

Subject Headings: Nitrates | Biological processes | Water treatment | Water resources | Water pollution | Groundwater supply | Denitrification

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